It is the position of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) that student physical therapists, when participating as part of a physical therapist professional education curriculum and when acting in accordance with APTA policy and applicable state laws and regulations, are qualified to provide services only under the direction and direct supervision of the physical therapist who is responsible for patient/client management. Direct supervision means the physical therapist is physically present and immediately available for direction and supervision. The physical therapist will have direct contact with the patient during each visit that is defined in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice and all encounters with a patient/client in a twenty four hour period. Telecommunications does not meet the requirement of direct supervision.

Definition of Levels of Supervision

General Supervision: The physical therapist is not required to be on-site for direction and supervision, but must be available at least by telecommunications.

Direct Supervision: The physical therapist is physically present and immediately available for direction and supervision. The physical therapist will have direct contact with the patient during each visit that is defined in the Guide to Physical Therapist Practice as all encounters with a patient/client in a twenty four hour period. Telecommunications does not meet the requirement of direct supervision.

Direct Personal Supervision: The physical therapist, or where allowable by law the physical therapist assistant, is physically present and immediately available to direct and supervise tasks that are related to patient/client management. The direction and supervision is continuous throughout the time these tasks re performed. Telecommunications does not meet the requirement of direct personal supervision.